Goo Goo Dolls will be touring South Africa later this month.
Image: Supplied.
IT'S BEEN more than two decades since the Goo Goo Dolls last took to the stage in South Africa, and the anticipation is palpable as the iconic rock band prepares to return.
The Goo Goo Dolls are set to serenade fans around the country when they begin their three-city tour, which takes place in Cape Town on March 25 and 26, Durban on March 28 and Pretoria on March 28.
Formed in 1986 by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, the Goo Goo Dolls have long since woven themselves into the fabric of modern American music.
With over 15 million records sold worldwide, four Grammy nominations and a prolific catalogue that includes 16 number one and Top 10 hits, the band's influence is undeniable.
Known for their timeless classics, such as “Iris”, “Slide", and “Black Balloon”, the Goo Goo Dolls have established their place in music history, thanks to an impressive repertoire that continues to resonate globally.
Speaking to "Independent Media Lifestyle", Takac reflected on their journey, with memories of past concerts in the country during memorable events like the Nelson Mandela 46664 concert still fresh in his mind.
Robby Takac from the Goo Goo Dolls in concert.
Image: Supplied.
"We last been in South Africa over 20 years ago. Once we performed at the Nelson Mandela concert ... We're super excited to be able to come and play a whole show there ...
"We've been to South Africa a couple of times, but we've never been able to play a whole set just because of the situation we were in, but this time we get to come play a whole shows," shared Takac.
The band’s upcoming shows promise to be memorable for all the right reasons, as the duo aim to not only entertain but also introduce audiences to new material alongside their greatest hits.
Takac said: "We're gonna play lots of songs that people love and maybe some songs people will grow to love. We'll be able to spread our wings a little bit and do a little bit more with our set, so yeah, we are on our way over."
He said that in Cape Town, where they will be performing for two nights, the band will be doing different shows.
"We're gonna be able to do a little bit different of a show both nights and play even more songs, and that's what we're the most excited about."
On their upcoming visit, Takac anticipates that fans will passionately embrace songs that have matured alongside them throughout their careers.
"When we played at Nelson Mandela's concert, we got to see how many people knew 'Iris', and it was pretty mind-blowing. It's one of those timeless songs. Some of our songs have had decades to mature,” Rzeznik reflected.
“Now we can show these songs in a little bit more grown-up state than they were when we first birthed them."
Joining the band are Craig Mcintyre, Colby Calais, Jim McGorman and a few others.
"We have 3 folks who've been playing with us for over 10 years now. Craig Mcintyre is the drummer. He used to play with Vertical Horizon years ago.
"Colby Calais and Jim Mcgorman will play keyboards. Jim played for Avril Lavigne. Brad Fernquist, who's been with us on guitar for over 20 years, came from a band called the New Radicals.
The Goo Goo Dolls with the rest of their band.
Image: Supplied.
"There is an enormous group full of people that I praise every day for making this rock show happen. I don't know how they do it, but it goes up, comes down, goes in the truck, goes back up again. They're amazing. I know those are the people who put the show together."
As they prepare to take the stage, the Goo Goo Dolls are not just looking to reaffirm their legacy but are aiming to create a connection with fans that goes beyond mere performance.
"We're going to perform a bunch of songs that fans love and maybe a couple of songs that they're not quite still familiar with, that, they will fall in love with after they hear them.
"You know these songs are all living, breathing things and some of these songs we've been playing for 30 years, and they've turned into something a little more special and a little more intimate than what was on the album."
Due to a packed schedule, the band will not have the opportunity to sightsee, as they are already deep into the process of recording a new album.
“This time around, we're just coming for work,” shared Takac, who hopes their next visit won’t take another two decades.
“Once we return from this trip, we’ll dive headfirst into finishing our album before embarking on a 52-show run in the United States starting in July. It’s going to be a busy year for us, and probably until the end of my life,” he said.
When asked if he grows weary of performing the same songs year after year, he replied: "One would assume that we would get tired of doing this, but in terms of our career, you know we're still out there.
"We're still making music and going on tours, and that is the thing that wakes me up in the mornings still wanting to continue with this.
"This is what we do. There have been days where it's been challenging to get up and do what we need to do to make this happen many, but, you know, if John and I ever look at each other and go, 'This is it, we can't do this anymore'. Then we'll stop, but I just can't imagine it.
"This is what we've been doing our whole lives, you know. We're so passionate about it," he ended.